Floating playground

ABSTRACT

A floating playground includes floating modules which provide buoyancy to a variety of recreational implements. Rigid flotation vessels filled with foam provide buoyancy to the modules. The modules have a frame and plurality of posts which can support a variety of recreational implements. The modules float individually or can be connected together to from a floating playground with a variety of recreational implements. The modules are also mobile so they can be moved from location to location and interchanged with other modules to form a dynamic playground.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.10/452,397, filed Jun. 2, 2003, which is a continuation of patentapplication Ser. No. 10/265,821, filed Oct. 7, 2002, abandoned, which isa continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/879,852, filed Jun. 11,2001, abandoned, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to floating recreationaldevices, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to amovable, floating modular playground configured to accommodate variousplayground equipment for kids of all ages.

[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology

[0005] The prior art discloses a number of water trampolines. Watertrampolines provide a leisure time activity for kids of all ages in abody of water. The combination of a trampoline and an inflatable vesselallows users to enjoy the bouncing and acrobatic activities performed ona trampoline with the benefits of playing in the water. However, thedisclosed trampolines are limited to only one recreational device, thetrampoline.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,673 granted to Mears et al. discloses afloatable park that includes a trampoline and a first inflatable objectattached to the trampoline. Mears discloses attaching anotherrecreational device to the trampoline, such as a giant inflatablepillow, an inflatable log or a slide. However, the park needs to beinflated with air and is only held together with straps.

[0007] The prior art also discloses a number of floating docks anddecks. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,572 granted to Gruhn et al.discloses a floating dock. Gruhn discloses individual modular floatingsections that can be connected together to form a floating structure.However, the prior art docks and decks are limited to a floating deckstructure without additional attachments.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,132 granted to Donovan discloses a floatingdeck structure. Donovan discloses a structural deck that floats on arigid, buoyant material filled watertight float. The deck can beconfigured to accommodate a variety of accessories and furnishings forvarious recreational activities. However, the invention is not modularin design and limited to a deck structure.

[0009] The prior art fails to disclose a rigid floating playgroundmodule which can be interconnected to other playgrounds. The disclosedplaygrounds achieve their buoyancy with an inflatable member, which canbe punctured and require patching or replacement.

[0010] The prior art is thus characterized by several disadvantages thatare addressed by the present invention. The present invention minimizes,and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and otherproblems, by utilizing the methods and structural features describedherein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide afloating playground which can accommodate an almost endless variety ofrecreational implements or toys.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide such afloating playground capable of being moved from one location to anotheron the water.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention, in accordancewith one aspect thereof, to provide a floating playground which issturdy and does not need to be inflated.

[0014] It is an additional object of the invention, in accordance withone aspect thereof, to provide a floating playground with a modulardesign, wherein the modular units can be securely connected with otherunits.

[0015] The above objects and others not specifically recited arerealized in a specific illustrative embodiment of a floating playground.The floating playground includes two modules attached together. Themodules are each supported by a floating vessel. The floating vesselsare rectangular shaped, rotationally molded pontoons filled with foam.Preferably vertical posts attach to the frame that encircles thepontoons and are able to support the recreational implement. One of themodules comprises a lower deck beneath an upper deck. The upper deck hasa railing which supports a slide, climbing net, a basket ball hoop and aladder. The other module is a trampoline. The modules can also support awide variety of other recreational implements including, but not limitedto: a trampoline, a climbing net, a slide, a ladder, a basketball hoop,a deck, a swing, a bathroom, a kitchen, a canopy covering the top orsides of the deck, a tent, an infant swing, an inflatable plastic log, atoy captains wheel, a toy periscope, a glass section, a set of monkeybars, a jungle gym, a climbing tube or any other recreational implement.

[0016] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparentfrom the description, or may be learned by the practice of the inventionwithout undue experimentation. The objects and advantages of theinvention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments andcombinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequentdetailed description presented in connection with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the base of two modules, orflotation vessels, of the floating playground;

[0019]FIG. 1A is a breakaway, perspective view of one of the vessels asshown in FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 1B is a partial, cross-sectional view of one of the vesselsshown in FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 1C is a bottom view of one of the vessels shown in FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a top view of the two flotation vessels shown in FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of thefloating playground showing two modules with various recreationalimplements;

[0024]FIG. 3A is a break away side view of the attachment means thatconnects the two modules shown in FIG. 3;

[0025]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thefloating playground shown as a circular trampoline;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the floatingplayground shown in FIG. 3;

[0027]FIG. 4A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of thefloating playground showing a slide in a storage or moving position;

[0028]FIG. 4B is a side view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.4A, showing the slide in a playing position;

[0029]FIG. 5A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the floatingplayground;

[0030]FIG. 5B is a side view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.5A;

[0031]FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the floatingplayground;

[0032]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thefloating playground;

[0033]FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the floatingplayground;

[0034]FIG. 9A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of thefloating playground with a glass bottom section; and

[0035]FIG. 9B is a top view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG.9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principlesin accordance with the invention, reference will now be made to theembodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Anyalterations and further modifications of the inventive featuresillustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles ofthe invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to oneskilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure,are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.

[0037] Before the present device of a floating playground is disclosedand described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limitedto the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosedherein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may varysomewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employedherein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments onlyand is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the presentinvention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalentsthereof.

[0038] The publications and other reference materials referred to hereinto describe the background of the invention and to provide additionaldetail regarding its practice are hereby incorporated by referenceherein. The references discussed herein are provided solely for theirdisclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothingherein is to be construed as a suggestion or admission that theinventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue ofprior invention.

[0039] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] In describing and claiming the present invention, the followingterminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set outbelow.

[0041] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,”“containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereofare inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional,unrecited elements or method steps.

[0042] As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammaticalequivalents thereof exclude any element, step, or ingredient notspecified in the claim.

[0043] As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” andgrammatical equivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to thespecified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect thebasic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the claimedinvention.

[0044] As used herein, the phrase “recreational implement” andgrammatical equivalents thereof shall refer to an implement that is usedprimarily for a recreational activity requiring bodily movement by theuser, including but not limited to bouncing, jumping, climbing andhanging, turning a toy steering wheel, sliding, swinging, and shootingbaskets.

[0045] As used herein, the phrase “trampoline” and grammaticalequivalents thereof shall refer to any type of surface with elasticmemory that allows a user to be propelled in an upward directionthereupon.

[0046] Applicant has discovered that floating playgrounds are moreversatile and provide more recreation if the playground is movable andmodular. The modular design allows different modules with differentrecreational implements to be connected together, and later disconnectedand interchanged for other modules. Applicant has thus conceived of afloating playground that supports a variety of recreational implements,is movable and floats. A preferred design concept of the floatingplayground comprises two modules attached together. Each module rests ona floating vessel and has a frame encircling the perimeter of thevessel. Preferably vertical posts are attached to the frame and supportvarious recreational implements.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of twomodules 11 attached together to form the floating playground generallyat 10. A module 11 can be any size, but preferably is no more than eightand one half feet wide, such that the module 11 can fit on a trailer andbe transported without a permit. Preferably, the module 11 is supportedby a floating vessel 12 that provides buoyancy to the module 11. Thevessels 12 are preferably rectangular in shape, made from rotationallymolded plastic and filled with foam, or expanded polystyrene, forbuoyancy. The expanded polystyrene preferably has a density of 1 lb/ft³.The foam prevents the vessels 12 from filling with water in the eventthat the plastic shell of the vessel 12 is breached. Referring now toFIG. 1A, there is shown a breakaway, perspective view of one of thevessels 12 shown in FIG. 1. A ledge 14 is molded into the vessel 12 andpreferably circumscribes the entire upper perimeter of the vessel 12.The ledge 14 defines an upper portion 16 and a lower portion 18 of thevessel 12. Four pockets 20, or slots, are molded in the upper portion 16of the vessel 12. The pockets 20 are preferably located just above theledge 14 with two pockets 20 residing on each longitudinal edge of thevessel 12 near the ends.

[0048] Referring again to FIG. 1, the ledge 14 receives a frame 22 thatis preferably made of metal. The frame could also be made of anysuitable material to those skilled in the art. The frame 22 ispreferably a hollow member, with a rectangular cross-section. The frame22 circumscribes one vessel 12. Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is showna partial, cross-sectional view of one of the modules 11 shown inFIG. 1. After the frame 22 is placed on the ledge 14, an attachmentmeans 24, preferably an angle iron made of metal, with a first portion24 a and a second portion 24 b is slid into each of the four pockets 20.The attachment means 24 could be any other suitable device, made of asuitable material to those skilled in the art, depending on the type ofmaterial used to make the frame 22. The attachment means 24 ispositioned such that the first portion 24 a slides into the pocket 20and the second portion 24 b rests flush against the frame 22. The secondportion 24 b of the attachment means 24 is then attached to the frame22, preferably by welding. The attachment of the frame 22 to the fourattachment means 24 securely attaches the frame 22 to the vessel 12.Referring again to FIG. 1, a preferably vertical post 28 attaches to theframe 22, preferably by welding. The posts 28 are preferably made ofmetal, but can be made of any other suitable material used to make theframe 22. The posts 28 can be placed anywhere on the frame 22 in amanner to support any type of recreational implement (not shown).

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 1C, there is shown a bottom view of one ofthe vessels 12 as shown in FIG. 1. The vessels 12 preferably have threeridges 26, or rudder-like projections, that run the majority of thelongitudinal length of the bottom of the vessel 12. The ridges 26 act asrudders when the vessel 12 is moved through the water.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a top view of two frames22 and two flotation vessels 12 of the two modules 11 shown in FIG. 1. Aframe 22 circumscribes each vessel 12. The frame 22 is attached to thevessels 12 with the attachment means 24 (shown with dotted lines), whichreside in the pockets 20 (shown generally with brackets).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of apreferred embodiment of the floating playground 10. The embodiment showstwo modules 11 a and 11 b with various recreational implements attached.Module 11 a is attached to module 11 b with an attachment means 44.Referring to FIG. 3A, there is shown a partial, break away view of theattachment means 44 shown in FIG. 3. The attachment means 44 ispreferably a hinge pin assembly 45. The assembly 45 comprises a pair ofbarrel hinges 45 a and 45 b, and a hinge pin 45 c. The barrel hinges 45a and 45 b are preferably made of metal, and are attached to the frame22 of the two modules 11 a and 11 b, preferably by a weld 47. Barrelhinge 45 a is a center hinge 45 a, attached to the frame 22 of module 11a while hinge 45 b are top and bottom barrel hinges 45 b attached to theframe 22 of module 11 b. The modules 11 a and 11 b are together bybringing the two modules 11 a and 11 b together, then positioning module11 a such that the center barrel hinge 45 a resides between the top andbottom barrel hinges 45 b. Once the center barrel hinge 45 a residesbetween the top and bottom barrel hinges 45 b, the hinge pin 45 c isslidably inserted through the top hinge 45 b, through the center hinge45 a and then through bottom hinge 45 b. The process is repeated for theother attachment means 44 on the modules 11 a and 11 b, and then saidmodules 11 a and 11 b are connected together to form a floatingplayground 10. The attachment means 44 is preferably a hinge pinassembly 45, but can also be a latch, a clamp, a U-joint which allowstwo degrees of movement, but not torsional movement, a spherical endjoint which allows three degrees of movement, or any other suitablemeans to those skilled in the art.

[0052] Referring again to FIG. 3, a floating vessel 12 is shownsupporting each module 11 as a buoyancy base. The frames 22 are showncircumscribing the vessels 12. Preferably vertical posts 28 are shownsupporting an upper deck 30 on one module 11 a while preferably verticalposts 28 support a trampoline 38 on the second module 11 b. In analternative embodiment, the space 25 residing between the trampoline 38and the frames 22 can be surrounded with a safety net (not shown),preferably around all sides of the trampoline 38, to prevent any injuryto a user of the trampoline 38. The upper deck 30 comprises a platform30 a, which rests on a plurality of cross-members 30 b. Thecross-members 30 b are preferably made of the same material as the frame22 and posts 28, and are attached by welding. The cross-members 30 b aresupported by the preferably vertical posts 28. A lower decks 32 is showncovering the vessel 12 of module 11 a. The lower decks 32 is aprotective covering, known to those skilled in the art, that functionsto cover and protect the top of the vessel 12. The upper deck 30 ofmodule 11 a also has a railing 36 attached to the cross members 30 b ofthe upper deck 30. Alternatively, the railing 36 can be attached to thepreferably vertical posts 28. A slide 34 is attached to the railing 36on the upper deck 30 and runs into the water. The slide 34 is supportedby a slide attachment bracket 50 which attaches the slide 34 to theframe 22. A climbing net 46 is attached to the railing 36 and extendsinto the water. A basket ball hoop 48 is also attached to the railing36. The trampoline 38 is supported by preferably vertical posts 28. Twoladders 40 a and 40 b are shown on the two modules 11 a and 11 b,respectively. Ladder 40 b extends from the trampoline 38 to the frame 22and the other ladder 40 a extends from the back side of the upper deck30 to the lower deck 32 beneath the upper deck 30. The end 42 of theflotation vessel 12 of module 11 b beveled. The beveled end 42 allowsthe floating playground 10 to glide across the water when the modules 11a and 11 b are moved across the water. Ridges 26 act as rudders and helpto prevent side to side movement of the modules 11 when the modules 11are being moved. Movement is accomplished by attaching a rope (notshown) to the modules 11 and towing the modules 11 with a boat (notshown), or other suitable water craft. Alternatively, an outboard motor(not shown) can be attached to the module 11 a on the end opposite thebeveled end 42 to make the modules 11 self-propelling.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the recreational implements shown inFIG. 3 are illustrative of a few of the recreational implements that canbe attached to the modules 11. In addition to the implements shown inFIG. 3, other implements that cab be attached to the playground include,but are not limited to: a swing, a bathroom, a kitchen, curtainsenclosing the deck, a canopy covering the deck, a tent covering thetrampoline, an infant swing, an inflatable plastic log, a toy captainswheel, a toy periscope, a glass bottom section, a variety of floatingtoys for children, a set of monkey bars, a jungle gym, a climbing tube,a walk way or any other recreational implement.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3B, there is shown an alternative embodiment ofone module 11 of the floating playground 10. This embodiment shows acircular flotation vessel 12 a supporting a circular trampoline 38 a.The circular flotation vessel 12 a is preferably rotationally moldedplastic filled with foam with an opening 17 in the center to form adoughnut shape. In the circular embodiment, a frame 22 a is used toattach preferably vertical posts 28 a to the trampoline 38 a. A ladder41 is attached to the frame 22 a and trampoline 38 a to provide accessto the trampoline 38 a.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a top view of the preferredembodiment of the floating playground shown in FIG. 3. The two modules11 a and 11 b are connected together with the attachment means 44.Module 11 b is a trampoline 38. Module 11 a is an upper deck 30 with aslide 34, climbing net 46, ladder 40 and a basketball hoop 48.

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is shown a side view ofthe module 11 a shown in FIG. 4, with the upper deck 30 and the lowerdeck 32. The slide 34 is attached as a recreational implement. FIG. 4Ashows the slide 34 in a storage or moving position while FIG. 4B showsthe slide 34 in a playing position. The slide 34 attaches to the frame22 with a slide attachment bracket 50 and a pivot hinge 52. The slideattachment bracket 50 is attached to the slide 34 in a manner to thoseskilled in the art that allows the slide attachment bracket 50 to pivoton the slide 34. The slide 34 can move from a playing position as shownin FIG. 4B to a storage position as shown in FIG. 4A. The top of theslide 34 is detachably attached to the railing 36 a on the upper deck 30as shown in FIG. 4B. After the slide 34 is detached from the railing 36a, the slide 34 is moved in an upward direction as indicated by thearrows in FIG. 4B and the slide attachment bracket 50 pivots on thepivot hinge 52. The slide 34 is then attached to the upper railing 36 bin a manner to those skilled in the art to prevent the slide 34 frommoving in a downward direction when the module 11 a is stored or moved.

[0057] As indicated above, the floating playground 10 is modular indesign. The modular design allows different modules 11 with variousrecreational implements to be interconnected and form an almost endlessarray of combinations. Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is shown a topview of a floating playground 10. The floating playground 10, compriseseight modules 11 c-j configured in two rows. The first row consists ofmodules 11 c-f and the second row consists of modules 11 g-j. Thevarious modules 11 are held together through the use of the attachmentmeans 44. A horizontal ladder 54 is connected to floating modules 11 dand 11 h. A swing support 56 a is connected to floating modules 11 c and11 g and another swing support 56 b is connected to floating modules 11f and 11 j. A swinging bridge 58 connects floating modules 11 e and 11i. Floating modules 11 c, 11 f, 11 g and 11 j have trampolines 38 whilefloating modules 11 d, 11 e, 11 h and 11 i have upper decks 30 and lowerdecks 32.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 5B, there is shown a side view of the eightfloating modules 11 c-j as shown in FIG. 5A. The flotation vessels 12are shown. The frame 22 attached to the flotation vessels 12 is alsoshown. Preferably vertical posts 28 are shown supporting the trampolines38, the upper decks 30 and the lower decks 32. Railings 36 are also onthe upper decks 30. The swing supports 56 are supported on either end bythe floating modules 11 c and 11 g, and 11 f and 11 j, respectively. Theswing supports 56 support swings 60. The climbing nets 46 are also shownand supported at the bottom by net supports 62. The slides 34 are shownin the playing position and supported by the slide attachment brackets50. This arrangement of floating modules 11 and the various recreationalimplements attached is an example of the number of different embodimentsthat the floating modules 11 can create. It will be appreciated to thoseskilled in the art that the modules 11 can be connected to other modules11 in any configuration or arrangement.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown another alternativeembodiment of two floating modules 11 h and 11 i. Module 11 h is shownwith a trampoline 38, while module 11 i is shown with an upper deck 30with various attachments. Attached to the upper deck 30 is a railing 36.A slide 34 is attached to the railing 36, as well as a climbing net 38,a basket ball hoop 48, a climbing wall 62, an accessory bracket 64 and aswing 60 suspended from the accessory bracket 64. The two modules 11 hand 11 i are attached together by attachment means 44. The accessorybracket 64 can be used to suspend or attach any suitable recreationalimplement to those skilled in the art.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a perspective view of anotheralternative embodiment of an arrangement of the modules 11. Module 11 jis shown with a trampoline 38 while module 11 k is shown with an upperdeck 30, a lower deck 32 and various recreational implements. Therailing 36 of module 11 k supports a basket ball hoop 48, ladders 40, aslide 34 and a climbing wall 62. The climbing wall 62 comprises anupwardly-extending and preferably vertical wall 66 with numerous handholds 68. The climbing wall 62 can also be tilted away from the module11 k in to make climbing more challenging. The hand holds 68 can beeither rock-like projections or recesses where a user can grasp on tothe climbing wall 66. The two modules 11 j and 11 k are connectedtogether with a jungle gym 76. The jungle gym 76 attaches to the modules11 j and 11 k using the attachment means 44. The attachment means 44 canbe a hinge pin, a U-joint, or a spherical end joint. A preferredembodiment of the ladder 54 is to attach it such that the attachmentmeans 44 at one of the opposing ends of the ladder 54 is a U-joint, andthe attachment means 44 at the other opposing end of said ladder is aspherical end joint, to prevent the end supported by a U-joint fromengaging in torsional movement, and thereby prevent the ladder 54 fromspinning about its longitudinal axis. Cross tension members 78 areattached diagonally to the corners of the jungle jim 76 to prevent themodules 11 j and 11 k from racking in opposite directions in anaccordion-like fashion. The jungle gym 76 has a horizontal ladder 54attached to the front side, from which a climbing rope 70 and a swingingdisk 72 are suspended. A swing 60 and a trapeze bar 74 are suspendedfrom the back side of the jungle gym 76. There are also two walkingramps 80 that connect module 11 j to module 11 k.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a top view of anotheralternative embodiment of an arrangement of the floating modules 11 toform another floating playground 10. In this embodiment, modules 11 l,11 m, 11 o and 11 p are trampolines 38. Module 11 n is an upper deck 30.The five modules 11 l-11 o are all interconnected with the attachmentmeans 44.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 9A, there is shown a side, cross sectionalview of an alternative embodiment of the floating module 11. The crosssectional view shows the ledge 14 and one of the ridges 26 attached tothe bottom of the vessel 12. In this embodiment, a glass box 82 filledwith argon, to prevent condensation, is attached to the vessel 12. Aprotruding ledge 83 is molded into the top surface of the vessel 12 andsurrounds the upper perimeter of a void 84 where the glass box 82resides. The glass box 82 rests against the lower surface of theprotruding ledge 83. The glass box 82 is supported on the lower surfaceby brackets 85, which are attached to the bottom of the vessel 12 withbolts 87. The bolts 87 threadably engage with bolt mounts 89, whereinsaid bolt mounts 89 are embedded in the lower surface of the vessel 12.The glass box 82 allows users of the module 10 to view the underwaterworld. The glass box 82 could also be any other transparent elementknown to those skilled in the art. Referring now to FIG. 9B, there isshown a top view of the alternative embodiment of the module 11 q asshown in FIG. 9A. In an alternative embodiment, a trap door 86 couldattached to the vessel 12 directly above the transparent element 82 andcan be opened or closed to either allow or deny access to thetransparent element 82. The trap door 86 can also be transparent sousers can peer through both the trap door 86 and transparent element 82if desired. The trap door 86 is shown in an open position and can swingback to a closed position with the use of a trap door hinge 88. The opentrap door 86 provides access to the transparent element 82, so thatusers can see through the element 82 and into the water where the fish90 are located.

[0063] It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosedherein is merely one example of a means for floating playground, and itshould be appreciated that any structure, apparatus or system for afloating playground which performs functions the same as, or equivalentto, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of ameans for a floating playground, including those structures, apparatusor systems for a floating playground which are presently known, or whichmay become available in the future. Anything which functions the sameas, or equivalently to, a means for a floating playground falls withinthe scope of this element.

[0064] In accordance with the features and combinations described above,a preferred design of the floating playground 10 includes:

[0065] (a) two modules 11 a and 11 b, each supported by a floatingvessel 12, wherein module 11 a supports an upper deck 30 and module 11 bsupports a trampoline 38; and

[0066] (b) wherein a railing 36 is attached to the upper deck 30 ofmodule 11 a, such that said railing 36 supports a slide 34, a climbingnet 38, a basketball hoop and a ladder 40 a.

[0067] Applicant has discovered that many recreational activities can bedone in the water. Applicant has thus invented a floating, modularplayground 10 that can accommodate a variety of recreational equipment.Applicant's floating playground 10 comprises a floating vessel 12 thatis designed to support any one of an endless array of recreationalimplement. In addition, applicant's floating playground 10 is modular sothat many modules 11 can be connected together to form a floatingplayground 10.

[0068] Applicant's floating playground 10 can include, but is notlimited to, a trampoline 38, deck 30, slide 34, climbing wall 62, swing60, jungle gym 76, ladders 40, climbing net 38, basketball hoop 48,transparent element 82, and climbing tube to name a few. Applicant'sfloating playground is supported by a durable, foam filled, plasticvessels 12 that do not require inflating. The foam also ensures that ifthe vessel were to be damaged, the vessel 12 will not fill with waterand retain its buoyancy.

[0069] Also, because applicant's floating playground 10 is modular, anunlimited number of recreational toys can be attached together to form afloating playground 10. Applicant's floating playground 10 is alsomovable. Therefore, a user of the playground 10 can connect anddisconnect modules 11 as desired and move the modules 11 to a differentlocation. In essence, the applicant has conceived of a way to build aplayground 10 on the water and interchange the toys on the playground inas many combinations as desired.

[0070] The phrase “uppermost portion of the floatation means” as usedherein shall refer broadly to the concept of some portion of the vesselthat is providing buoyancy, and not to any attachments residing on orconnected to said vessel that do not aid in buoyancy or floatation.

[0071] A propelling means for propelling the floating playground 10 fromone location to another upon a body of water is within the scope of thepresent invention. Such a propelling means may include any suitablemotor, engine, towing device, or other suitable device now known orlater discovered, that is capable of propelling the floating playground10 from one location to another upon a body of water.

[0072] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements areonly illustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may bedevised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intendedto cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the presentinvention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above withparticularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed tobe the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse may be made without departing from the principles and concepts setforth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A floating playground for use on a body of water,comprising: a float having a top surface extending to a perimeter edge,a ledge being recessed on the top surface along at least a portion ofthe perimeter edge; a frame mounted on the ledge of the float; and arecreational implement mounted on the frame.
 2. The floating playgroundof claim 1, wherein the recreational implement comprises a trampoline.3. The floating playground of claim 1, wherein the float has a centralopening extending therethrough.
 4. The floating playground of claim 1,further comprising a safety net mounted on the frame so as to encirclesthe trampoline.
 5. A floating playground for use upon a body of water,comprising: a first rigid float; a first means disposed on the firstfloat for supporting a recreational implement; a second rigid float; asecond means disposed on the second float for supporting an object; anattachment means for (i) attaching the first float to the second float,or (ii) intercoupling the first float and the second float with a secondrecreational implement such that the first and second float are spacedapart by the second recreational implement, the second recreationalimplement spanning a separation space residing between said first andsecond float.
 6. The floating playground of claim 5, wherein the firstfloat has a ledge molded thereon that encircles an outer perimeter ofthe first float.
 7. The floating playground of claim 5, wherein thefirst means for supporting comprises a frame residing on the ledge 8.The floating playground of claim 7, wherein the frame comprising ahollow tube with a rectangular cross-section.
 9. A floating marinestructure for use upon a body of water, comprising: a recreationalimplement; a rigid framework for holding the recreational implement; andmeans for supporting the rigid framework and the recreational implementabove the body of water, wherein said floatation means provides buoyancywhen said floatation means is floating upon said body of water, a ledgebeing molded into the means for supporting that at least partiallycircumscribes an upper perimeter of the means for supporting.
 10. Thefloating marine structure of claim 9, wherein the ledge defines an upperportion and a lower portion of the means for supporting.
 11. Thefloating marine structure of claim 10, wherein at least one pocket ismolded into the upper portion of the means for supporting, such that thepocket forms a slot.
 12. The floating marine structure of claim 9,wherein the rigid framework resides in said ledge.
 13. A floatingclimbing wall for use upon a body of water, comprising: a float; asurface with at least one means for grasping; means for attaching thefloat to the surface; and means for adjusting the surface such that thesurface can be configured at various angles.
 14. The floating climbingwall of claim 13, wherein the surface is an upwardly-extending wall. 15.The floating climbing wall of claim 13, wherein the means for graspingcomprises elements that protrude from the wall.
 16. The floatingclimbing wall of claim 13, wherein the means for grasping comprisesrecesses in the wall.
 17. The floating climbing wall of claim 16,wherein the means for attaching comprises a frame, wherein the frameresides on the float and supports the surface.
 18. A floating,retractable slide for use upon a body of water, comprising: a slide; afloat; means for attaching the slide to the float; and means forretracting the slide, the means retracting comprising an upperattachment bracket and a lower attachment bracket, the upper attachmentbracket attaches to an upper portion of the slide and detachablyattaches to the means for attaching, and wherein the lower attachmentbracket pivotally attaches a lower portion of the slide to the means forattaching.